Abuchon (Dishes)

I am to plan a luncheon.

What shall be on the menu?

What shall be the theme?

What shall be the centerpiece?

Mediterranean tuna salad with capers, kalamata olives and feta cheese.

Fresh sliced strawberries and juicy Fiji apples.

Honey custard made with lavender honey.

Margharitt is bringing crackers and cheese.

Caroline has baked wheat rolls for the tuna salad.

Diett is in charge of the drinks.

Sundays are breather days before the busy-ness of the week soon envelops us. I just want to invite a few close friends over to give them a reprieve from having to plan a meal. We'll sit on oversized cushioned floor pillows around the coffee table.

At the corner flowershop not far from Diett's store I saw on the counter volumptuous blossoms spilling over a colorful vase. How did the blossoms grow to be so big and fluffy?! I bought a couple dozen with some green accents for the arrangement. (I'm not proficient with plant names and species. I know the basics, and when I have the liesure time I'll sign up for a gardening class offered by one of the ladies of the Historical Society.)

I can't help it. Whether I'm hosting an informal gathering or even just contemplating on one I like to peruse the stores to get new ideas. What I usually end up doing is buying new things...more things. I have collected so many things, and I do not tire of purchasing more. One of life's simple pleasures...if one can call shopping a simple pleasure.

Fields of pansies and strawberries. This reminds me of a strawberry farm not too far from my parent's house in the country. We would pick strawberries until our finger tips and tongues were stained with berry juice.


Bluebells and violets. I am reminded of a charming bed and breakfast I stayed in Provence when I took a short weekend break from working on my book. I need to make a note to go revisit the cottage again.

Caroline so wants to go to Peru and Belize. The colors make me think of the vibrant travel brochures she has been collecting.


Elegant. I would like to have this setting one day.

Exactly what I was in search for. Was I really searching to buy something? Inadvertently I guess I always am...

Fun. These napkin rings inspire me to plan a spring picnic. I do miss Madame DuChamp so!

Abby

Abuchon (Chandeliers)

03.07

On days like this when the sun does not scorch...or better yet the sun is not shining, I take a stroll into town. It is not nearly spring yet; the flowers have not yet awaken and trees' limbs are but naked twigs. Today is a preview of what spring has in store...a teaser. The air is light and void of the biting cold. Although clouds obscure the sun from view, it is a refreshing change. Chilled sunshine is no longer refreshing.

Clay is playing at Robert's. I dropped him off before heading to the square. Caroline asked that I look at some chandeliers for her. The bakery is beginning to take off. She has averaged three orders per day. Occassional customers pop in every now and then. She really does need a bigger sign by the road. I think Monsieur Ferment agreed to have our rocky lane paved. It will be a much welcomed change. So dusty!

Anyway, chandeliers!

Madame Lindle's store.

One of her many chandeliers.

I couldn't resist. Who could resist...the EYE??

Besides, it was on sale.

Belle-epoc's corner boutique.

I have to admit, this one is my favorite thus far.

It befits Caroline.

Madame Lindle might be a bit disappointed

if Caroline chooses this one.

I am rather drawn to this. A friend commented

on its Arthurian style.

There I go again...I think of Cedric.

Reminds me that our gate needs to be replaced.

Monsieur DeFluer would be delighted

I think.

Feeling drawn to yellow.

Warm glow...

I like the surface of the wood. It inspires me.

I brought my journal. The park benches are not yet all occupied. I think I shall sit for a while and write before returning. What would Cedric think of crystal chandeliers and early spring-like mornings?

Abby